Waveform Mapping for Event-to-Cycle IC Debug Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing simulation methods for integrated circuits (ICs) face inefficiencies in transitioning from event-based simulation data to cycle-based simulation data, as event-based data is time granular and incompatible with cycle-based environments, leading to slow execution and incompatibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatically mapping event-based simulation data to cycle-based simulation by converting event-based waveform data into a compatible format using a sampling rate based on abstraction levels, allowing effective debugging within cycle-based environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If event-based simulation data is used, then simulation accuracy is improved, but execution speed deteriorates and compatibility with cycle-based environments is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidexecution speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a waveform data format as an intermediary layer between event-based simulation data and cycle-based simulation environments. This intermediary format enables translation and compatibility, allowing event-based data to be processed in cycle-based environments without losing accuracy or sacrificing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the data representation by changing key parameters such as time granularity and event markers into cycle-based parameters. This parameter transformation enables the same simulation data to be interpreted differently by cycle-based tools, resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining simulation fidelity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If event-based simulation data is converted to cycle-based format, then compatibility with cycle-based environments is improved, but conversion time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidconversion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the waveform data format structure and conversion rules before actual conversion is needed. This preparation enables faster conversion processes during execution, as the transformation logic is already established and can be applied efficiently to different datasets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copied representation of the event-based data in the waveform format, which serves as an intermediate copy that can be efficiently transformed into cycle-based format. This copying approach separates the original event-based data from the conversion process, enabling optimized transformation without repeatedly processing the source data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If detailed time granular event-based data is used, then simulation precision is improved, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime granularity precisionVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous event-based data into discrete waveform elements that can be systematically processed. By dividing the data into manageable segments with specific formats and structures, the complexity of processing detailed time-granular data is reduced while preserving the necessary precision for accurate simulation results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260036621A1Automatically mapping event-based simulation data to cycle-based simulation in hybrid hardware debug platforms
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US20260036621A1 patent drawing
  • US20260036621A1 patent drawing
  • US20260036621A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method is provided. Aspects include receiving first waveform data of a first format, wherein the first waveform data includes event-based simulation data. Aspects include generating second waveform data of a second format based on the first waveform data, wherein the second waveform data is compatible with a cycle-based simulation environment. Aspects include performing one or more debugging operations by processing the second waveform data within the cycle-based simulation environment.